List

Do you know why VH1 produced more installments of I Love the '80s than any other decade? Because there was simply more to love. Many would argue that other recent decades surpassed the '80s for diversity of musical expression, for production innovations, for ebullience and personality, for political honesty. In fact, by nearly every individual measure, the '80s probably take a backseat to some other era. So why do we still deify those 10 years? Probably because the decade's best songs offered some of pop history's finest simple pleasures, which is why you won't often find humorless rockists making arguments on its behalf like they do for the '60s, '70s, or even the '90s. Sure, there were plenty of tunes that cut deep into the blackest heart of the Reagan era, but some of the most prominent came in such a deceptively sunny disguise (the Boss's "Born in the U.S.A.," for example) that they were mistaken to be part of the status quo. In the '80s, Public Enemy was the outlier and flourished because of it. Michael Jackson was showing signs of paranoia, but still mostly wanted to rock with you. Madonna was mostly espousing the joy of taking a "Holiday," and even when she embraced a more militant attitude ("Express Yourself"), she was still arguing on behalf of embracing the pleasure principle. And that's the way we like it. In so many other arenas, we're still paying for the mistakes of the '80s. But when it comes to the decade's music, we feel no compelling reason to feel bad about feeling good. Eric Henderson

100. David Bowie, "Scary Monsters (And Super Creeps)." For the title track and third single from what's widely considered to be David Bowie's last truly great album, the singer's delivery is closer to that of a low-budget horror movie's demented narrator than the dynamic rock showman that shot to megastardom in the '70s. Bowie spins a yarn of a young girl falling victim to her own fears and insecurities in his tried-and-tested "mockney" accent, and heightens the air of sheer menace further still with a violent percussion section and the sound of dogs barking. Robert Fripp's guitar work here is tremendous too, an exemplary exercise in frenzied crosspicking that adds urgency and suspense to Bowie's deranged psycho-thriller narrative. Huw Jones

99. Tracy Chapman, "Fast Car." As hopeless and heartbreaking as any song that's ever topped the pop charts, Tracy Chapman's "Fast Car" couches its social commentary in deeply personal revelations and confessions. As the city lights flash by Chapman's narrator and the song's arrangement gathers momentum, there's a palpable desperation in the way she sings, "And I had the feeling I could be someone." Because in that moment, having tried and failed to escape the poverty she was born into, she's not expressing a sense of optimism that her station in life will improve, but conceding that she was foolish to have ever thought it could. Jonathan Keefe

98. Public Enemy, "Don't Believe the Hype." "Don't Believe the Hype" is an invitation to question everything, up to and including Public Enemy's then-growing reputation. It's the kind of sneakily self-congratulatory gesture that plays as self-deprecation while also being a bit boastful, affirming that there is indeed some hype that needs to be ignored in order to appreciate the group's second album. Whatever the meaning, the track is indicative of the always probing, never accepting nature of the Chuck D-helmed outfit, his harshly forceful rhymes echoed by the cornucopia of grating sound effects sourced by the ever-resourceful Bomb Squad. Jesse Cataldo

97. The Replacements, "I Will Dare." "I Will Dare" marks the most accessible and radio-friendly moment for a rowdy Minneapolis four piece that, with a reputation for notoriously wayward live shows and a staunch belief in the punk ethos, was to this point always a million miles away from what one would consider accessible or radio-friendly. Upon its release in 1984, Paul Westerberg spoke of how the band was tired of playing "that noisy, fake hardcore rock," and there can be no disputing that "I Will Dare" is all the better for reigning in the anarchy and chaos that underpinned their previous work. It's about as close to pop music as the band could get, flaunting a sweet mandolin arrangement and a typically jangly guitar solo from R.E.M.'s Peter Buck, and perhaps it's no coincidence that this is their best single by some stretch. HJ

96. Chaka Khan, "I Feel for You." What I previously wrote about "one of the most intoxicating singles in pop history," a state-of-the-art example of sampling craft, still sums it up. "'I Feel for You' had enough blockbuster tricks to bury any lesser talent: ultra-hip vocal cutting techniques, a blazing Stevie Wonder harmonica solo that damn near tops anything on his own records, no less than four synth-keyboard players, and a scintillating, shifting beat from Arif Mardin." For someone who allegedly disliked the memorable hip-hop riffing Grandmaster Melle Mel bookended the track with, Chaka interacted beautifully, making this one of the most compelling crossover tracks ever. EH

95. Extra T's, "E.T. Boogie." Even if he really did send a cabal of Hazmat-wearing lawyers after Extra T's for cribbing lines from his 1982 blockbuster E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial, it's easy to imagine Steven Spielberg bopping this head to the dance-funk delirium of this underground classic. Not exactly the enviro-friendly, "fax orgy"-wanting otherworldly being of Deee-Lite's imagination, this alien hero hungers only for home. And that's all right. Such single-mindedness, matched by the "held-together-by-paperclips 808 beats," per our own Eric Henderson, is always rewarded. The bassline is all cherry-on-top rush, a call to arms for people who live, Busta Rhymes would say, for movin' around. Ed Gonzalez

94. Michael Jackson, "Smooth Criminal." For such an apparently gentle soul, Michael Jackson repeatedly displayed his dark side with songs like "Beat It," "Thriller," "Bad," and "Smooth Criminal." This is, after all, the same guy who once sang about his close friendship with a telepathic rat. Accompanied by a killer synth bassline, staccato beats, and a frenzied vocal performance from Jacko himself, "Smooth Criminal" rather unambiguously tells the heartwarming story of a home invader who chases a woman named Annie underneath a table and into her bedroom, where he ostensibly bludgeons her to death, leaving "bloodstains on the carpet." Sal Cinquemani

93. Kate Bush, "The Big Sky." Not many people could make a song about watching clouds into an epic rumination on living life to the fullest. But that conflation of silly juvenilia and introspective weight is what Kate Bush does best, and "The Big Sky" consequently grows into its own thriving world of weird skyborne shapes, full of wacky asides, cascading handclaps, odd voice inflections, and guitar solos. It testifies to the ephemeral nature of all things while also celebrating the teeming abundance of the world, a quality shared with Bush's music, which is always spilling over with passion and ideas. JC

92. Leonard Cohen, "Everybody Knows." It may not be Leonard Cohen's most famous song (a fact that grows more regrettable with every ponderous, overwrought new version of "Hallelujah"), but "Everybody Knows" is the song of Cohen's that best captures both his knack for writing a pop hook and his pitch-black sense of humor. But it's the combination of his deep baritone voice and deadpan performance that makes "Everybody Knows" so funny and so absurd: Cohen sounds nothing if not inconvenienced as he delivers a scolding lecture with the bleak message that "everybody knows that the good guys lost." JK

91. Violent Femmes, "Blister in the Sun." It's a testament to Gordon Gano's affable everyman charm that the truth as to whether "Blister in the Sun" is indeed an open ode to masturbation or whether it's a blithe summary of heroin withdrawal is as irrelevant as it is unclear. It's a fantastic single, even though it took a spot on the Grosse Point Blank soundtrack almost 15 years later for mainstream consciousness to actually take notice of this stellar bout of unplugged folk-punk. Now, "Blister in the Sun" is instantly recognizable from its introduction alone, where balmy lo-fi acoustic guitar meets hand-me-down snare drums and a bassline that swaggers and struts rather than merely walks. HJ

RELATED ARTICLES

Hard to have a favorite single during the 80s. Great time of music. Great time for weird artists, hehe.

Posted by Driver Decade on 2015-02-06 15:11:35

Here you go...a better list. For people with measurable IQ's:

The Church Antenna 1988

Talking Heads Once in a Lifetime 1980

Tommy Tutone 867-5309/Jenny 1981

Joan Jett I Love Rock N' Roll 1981

The Stone Roses Waterfall 1989

R.E.M. Radio Free Europe 1983

Richard and Linda Thompson Wall of Death 1982

Aerosmith Janie's Got a Gun 1989

Billy Idol Dancing With Myself 1980

The Cure Why Can't I Be You? 1987

AC/DC You Shook Me All Night Long 1980

Steve Winwood Spanish Dancer 1980

Tracy Chapman Baby Can I Hold You 1988

The Cure Just Like Heaven 1987

Greg Kihn The Breakup Song (They Don't Write 'Em) 1981

Gang of Four To Hell With Poverty 1981

Midnight Oil Beds are Burning 1987

The Pretenders Middle Of The Road 1984

Pixies Where Is My Mind? 1988

Blue Öyster Cult Veteran Of The Psychic Wars 1981

The Clash Should I Stay Or Should I Go? 1982

Golden Earring Twilight Zone 1982

The Waterboys Fisherman's Blues 1988

Violent Femmes Kiss Off 1983

The Call The Walls Came Down (Single) 1983

The Kinks Destroyer 1981

The Jim Carroll Band People Who Died 1980

Split Enz One Step Ahead 1980

New Order Blue Monday 1983

Steve Earle Copperhead Road 1988

Randy Vanwarmer All That We Have Is Tonight 1980

The Gap Band You Dropped A Bomb On Me 1982

Dire Straits Skateaway 1980

Orchestral Manoeuvres In the Dark If You Leave 1986

The Rolling Stones Start Me Up 1981

Cameo Word Up (7" Vocal Version) 1986

Randy Vanwarmer Suzie Found A Weapon 1981

Murray Head One Night In Bangkok (Single Version) 1984

The Smithereens Only A Memory 1988

The Pretenders The Wait 1980

U2 Pride (In the Name of Love) 1984

Amy Grant Emmanuel 1983

The Smiths How Soon Is Now? 1985

Richard and Linda Thompson Walking on a Wire 1982

Devo Whip It 1980

Split Enz I Got You 1980

Squeeze The Elephant Ride 1982

Steve Miller Band Abracadabra 1982

Sonic Youth Teen Age Riot 1988

The Cure Hot Hot Hot!!! 1987

Squeeze Tempted 1981

The Pretenders My City Was Gone 1982

X Nausea 1980

Michael Penn No Myth 1989

Midnight Oil The Dead Heart 1986

Roxy Music Take a Chance With Me 1982

Leonard Cohen Hallelujah 1984

Don Henley Sunset Grill 1984

Camper Van Beethoven Eye of Fatima, Pt. 1 1988

Roxy Music Over You 1980

Wall Of Voodoo Mexican Radio 1982

Big Country In a Big Country (Radio Edit) 1983

Rush Spirit of Radio 1980

Naked Eyes Always Something There to Remind Me 1982

Soft Cell Tainted Love 1981

The Pretenders Time The Avenger 1984

R.E.M. Voice Of Harold 1987

Roxy Music More Than This 1982

The Cars Gimme Some Slack 1980

The Mighty Lemon Drops Shine 1988

The Pretenders Precious 1980

The La's There She Goes 1988

Billy Joel It's Still Rock 'n Roll to Me 1980

Faith No More We Care A Lot 1985

Cheap Trick Everything Works If You Let It (Full Version) 1980

Everly Brothers On The Wings Of A Nightingale 1984

Kate Bush There Goes A Tenner 1982

The Bongos Mambo Sun 1982

Duran Duran Hungry Like the Wolf 1982

Toni Childs Don't Walk Away 1988

Depeche Mode Just Can't Get Enough 1981

ZZ Top Legs 1983

Peter Gabriel Games Without Frontiers 1980

Queen and David Bowie Under Pressure 1981

The Fuzztones Strychnine 1986

Missing Persons Words 1982

The Police Invisible Sun 1981

Stevie Nicks Edge of Seventeen 1981

Modern English I Melt with You 1982

Crowded House Better Be Home Soon 1988

Crowded House Don't Dream It's Over 1986

Scandal Goodbye to You 1982

Joy Division Love Will Tear Us Apart 1980

The Bangles Hazy Shade of Winter 1987

Billy Joel You May Be Right 1980

ZZ Top Gimme All Your Lovin' 1983

The Hooters All You Zombies 1985

Tracy Chapman Talkin' Bout A Revolution 1988

Violent Femmes Gone Daddy Gone 1983

Roxy Music Oh Yeah 1980

Posted by Matt Gilliam on 2015-02-05 18:29:06

I was born in 80s, for me Just rock n roll and metal... Baby.....

Posted by nintendo64 on 2015-01-31 01:27:23

Yeah! Duran Duran and Tears for Fears were and are awesome! I don't know Modern Talking though (sorry), so I will have to look them up.

Posted by Jive on 2015-01-30 21:02:33

Terrible list. One of the worst ever. Apparently Lionel Richie, Duran Duran, Modern Talking and Tears For Fears never existed during the '80s....

Posted by jaykayDX on 2014-11-25 11:54:06

Actually a pretty neat list. If you´re not a rockist that is ;P Surprised to see Shannon - Let the music play. Great stuff.

Posted by KTMRCR on 2014-11-04 10:11:44

I guess they never heard of Duran Duran, The Fixx, A flock of Seragulls

Posted by dethmyke on 2014-10-16 09:55:35

How about "used to be my playground"?

Posted by Jeff Anspach on 2014-09-29 09:29:51

Live to Tell is Madonna at her saddest! Result-Her Best Song Ever!

Posted by rabbitbunny on 2014-09-22 13:30:13

I think the drama is how many times your parents dropped you on your head as an infant. Nobody respects a troll.

Posted by No-Personality on 2014-08-14 21:02:56

Skid Row, Cinderella, Bon Jovi, Van Halen, Guns 'N Roses and Def Leppard. ALL better bands who made bigger impacts in the 80s than the trash listed here on this joke of a countdown.

Posted by jaykayDX on 2014-08-14 14:51:39

Too true. Heck, Metal MADE the 80s - and then some; Metal MADE Music Videos hip and fun, Metal MADE MTV a must -see (It's amazing how MTV stopped being relevant and really, REALLY started to suck once they stopped playing hair metal vids - which coincidentally occurred around the very SAME time they started doing 'reality TV' shows) and it has to be said, Metal MADE English music big in Asia (where I live). Do you honestly believe that anyone from Shillong or Indonesia listens to crappy Rap or Boy Band vids? They're still requesting for videos made by Skid Row back in the 80s (in 2014 - no less)!!!

Posted by jaykayDX on 2014-08-14 14:50:19

I didn't really listen to any of these songs or artists in the 80s. It was all about METAL BABY!

Posted by Moni1111 on 2014-07-31 16:27:53

Personally, I like the older Depeche Mode songs pre-Duran Duran and Spandau Ballet. Their songs have that techno-industrial feel to it. I actually prefer them to New Order. Of course, with the defunct Joy Division turning into New Order, they automatically become part of the list.

BTW, I was born in 1972 but my influences are mostly from the 80's and 90's.

Posted by Alain Nallana on 2014-07-31 16:07:46

I can still hear the music....

Posted by anon on 2014-07-24 22:00:57

NO-personality, let me praise you. You know your way around movies from the 80's, such a feat in modern day horror-this horror-that zeitgeist. Are you afraid of social anxiety and rejection since your mind has rejected any artistic work made after your birth?

Posted by anon on 2014-07-24 22:00:10

Hey everybody - she accepts it!! It's ok now, the drama is over.

Posted by anon on 2014-07-24 21:56:21

This list is ... pure garbage. I've always wanted to know what a list of greatest '80s hits would be if it were made by douchebags who didn't live through the 80s - and now I wonder no longer. Judging by this list the staff at Slant seem to be composed of nothing but African-American 20-somethings (most of the cr*p here by black artists seems like the stuff they would have found out by rummaging through their parents record collection - yet it's funny how Lionel Richie didn't get a SINGLE entry here despite writing great songs like "Say You Say Me", "Dancing On The Ceiling", "All Night Long" and "Running Through The Night'), gay men (George Michael gets mentioned, but NO Wham!, plus The Smiths are VASTLY overrated and deserve ONE entry ONLY and that would be 'How Soon Is Now') and hipster females who try to act knowledgeable but are extremely ignorant (which explains the overdose of Madonna, Janet and Lauper) - funny how they overdosed on overrated singles by seemingly 'hip' black artists but didn't bother to include the BEST song of the lot - 'Word Up' by Cameo!

Did the idiots in charge of putting this list together ever heard that rock music was big in the 80s? ANY LIST OF 'BEST' 80S SINGLES (NO MATTER HOW SUBJECTIVE IT IS) LOSES ALL CREDIBILITY ONCE YOU FAIL TO MENTION JUMP BY VAN HALEN - WHICH URINATES ON 90% OF ALL THE SINGLES LISTED HERE. Same goes for 'Amadeus' by Falco. NO 'I Ran' by A Flock Of Seagulls? NO 'Upside Down' by Diana Ross? NO "Something going on' by Frida? NO 'Everybody wants to Rule The World' by Tears For Fears? And someone mentioned it before, but NO (the worst omission of the lot) 'I Melt With You' by Modern Talking? WTF?

P.S. I know the idiots who made this list are biased against rock and '80s metal and this will probably pain them a lot but here goes: THE BEST Single from the '80s is Bon Jovi's 'Living On A Prayer'. There. I've said it. No go kill yourselves - and let someone else WHO KNOW THEIR JOBS PROPERLY compile the lists from now on....

Posted by jaykayDX on 2014-07-08 06:56:23

I'll give you that.

Posted by johnnyhenry on 2014-06-25 00:28:27

At least cheesy has a taste.

Posted by No-Personality on 2014-06-24 18:04:13

Yes Jenny Jenny, Jessie's Girl, and Pour Some Sugar all trite and hard to listen to. At least over and over again. Scorpions...I'll take them anytime. Actually they have a few good tunes besides Rock You Like A Hurricane including Wind of Change among others. I know Final Countdown was huge, but I don't get it. For me it will always be on the hook. Not sure what is worse the lyrics ("we're leaving together, but still it's farewell and maybe we'll come back, to earth, who can tell") or that droning repetitive "final countdown" mantra with the keyboard synthesizer in the background that sounds like a horn or a trumpet. Definition of cheesy.

Posted by johnnyhenry on 2014-06-24 15:14:03

I actually like "The Final Countdown" too. Gun to my head, on the more "easy listening" side of "hair metal," I suppose I'd say .38 Special had better singles (I wouldn't mention them at all but their sound is not at all far removed from Asia), Journey definitely had some better stuff (does anyone else freaking love "Girl Can't Help It"?), and... oh, lemme think: "Rock You Like a Hurricane." (The Scorpions > Quiet Riot.)

But with all the REO Speedwagon, Kansas, Asia, Bon Jovi milquetoast rock ballads, I think it's finally time we let a few people and songs off the hook. Not every rocker can be a Robert (Plant - "Burning Down One Side" - and Palmer). I'm ready to say, let's let "The Final Countdown" off the hook. I know we probably wouldn't be talking about it without Arrested Development but if we're talking unoriginal, if its source inspirations are already in a weaker vein (for me, Asia's "Only Time Will Tell" and "Heat of the Moment")- might being exponentially more ludicrous actually be a redeeming quality?

As for Whitesnake... I could go either way. Both The Scorpions and Twisted Sister ("Burn in Hell" is a fun one) could bury them, but I'll beg for "Here I Go Again" before I forgive the guy who plays "Pour Some Sugar on Me" or "Jessie's Girl" in the same room as me again.

Oh yeah, and... can I get confirmation on this: anyone think there is a worse song in the whole decade than "867-5309 (Jenny)"? I never noticed it before last year but... you want terrible? Boring to think about? (Jefferson) Starship and Bryan Adams are due official apologies from Blender, VH1, probably Spin, and the entire internet after this song somehow escapes Worst-of-the-Decade scrutiny.

Posted by No-Personality on 2014-06-22 11:22:48

Gotcha; I forgot that some people have that as a rule. I accept it, though it still sounds odd somehow; "peaked"? I mean, does that mean the contributing critics actually ran down specific U.S. charts? Because then, who's to decide which charts to stick to and which to ignore? One look at your 90's list, I already knew almost all of the songs. The 80's list shocked the hell out of me, probably 40% of the songs were new to me and 15 of the artists / groups I'd never heard of before. If you ran down charts to find them, weren't some of them new to you guys too?

Of course, me- I have no rules. Single vs. Promotional Single? Mumbo jumbo. Cibo Matto's "Spoon" only released in Japan? Fine by me. I just look for Google Images to give me some proof (a physical cover) that Wikipedia is right, that Berlin's "Pink & Velvet" and Dandy Warhols' "Good Morning" were actually legit singles in any capacity...anywhere in the world. Found something there... yet absolutely nothing when I searched for Lauryn Hill's "Lost Ones." B-side?

Posted by No-Personality on 2014-06-22 10:42:31

Including "Personal Jesus" on our '90s list wasn't an accident. It was indeed released in 1989, but it peaked in the U.S. in March of 1990. We could have gone either way, but opted to include in on the '90s list, so therefore it was ineligible for this list.

Posted by Slant Magazine on 2014-06-22 10:06:32

Oh, they actually took care of Depeche Mode... on their 90's list. They accidentally put "Personal Jesus" on that list when it was actually released in 1989. As for Tears for Fears, I agree- I've got one of theirs on my list.

If we're being honest... this list disappointed me too, but that's just because their 90's list was just about Perfect. Easily their best list. But I know what they were doing. I mean, I was 7 in 1990. If I were 11, different songs might have been touchstones of the decade for me. Like "Everlong," "Hey Mr. DJ," or "Creep" (by Radiohead). (I think those are all overrated, personally.) If I'd been 3, I might be one of the people in that comment section crying about how Britney Spears and N'Sync were robbed. I'm assuming most of the critics who worked on this list were actually born in the mid-to-late 70's. I was born in '82. If you're born in the 70's, there's a chance you saw some of the decade for yourself. That you and your friends decided Van Halen rocked and Culture Club stunk, or the opposite. You might have had your own job, went to record stores on your own and bought cassettes with your own money. (Though Mtv would have been a bit tricky since for at least the first half of the decade, only some people had the channel in their cable package.)

Looking at my 100 best 80's singles list and ... since Slant came out with their 90's list (forget this one) - the list I told people to check out last year on Mubi is literally ancient now - I've been re-arranging it for at least 3 years (but I think I've finally got it where I want it) ... the bands that haven't budged an inch on my list which are on there several times and didn't make Slant's last once are Hall & Oates (4 singles), Berlin (3), Pet Shop Boys (3), and The Sugarcubes (2). Depeche Mode didn't make mine once either.

Posted by No-Personality on 2014-06-22 09:48:18

Crappy list. No Tears for Fears? No notable Depeche Mode single?

Posted by Alain Nallana on 2014-06-19 18:01:34

Actually it's a great list with excellent critical and insightful observations. Just because it doesn't have those songs you mentioned doesn't take away from the fact that there are a multitude of great songs here. I'll give you Van Halen. They were a great band in the 80's and "Jump" a great tune, but "Final Countdown", although it got play, is dreadful. Whitesnake leaves much to be desired as well. A very poor man's Led Zeppelin. You can surely question a few of the choices made, but this list is quite far from terrible. If any song is terrible it's "Final Countdown". One of the most ludicrous and unoriginal songs of the 80's with laughable droning lyrics that is boring just to think about.

Posted by john boscarino on 2014-06-18 00:09:22

Terrible list, where the hell is "Jump" by van halen. Here I Go Again by Whitesnake, Down Under by Men At work, Final Countdown by Europe and many many more!

Posted by There You Got on 2014-02-18 13:27:38

"Billie Jean" was so iconic that I remember the date I first heard it, Jan. 13, 1983, at a nightclub called The Woods, in upstate NY, and I was with my friend Cindy. The weather was an eerie calm, less than two days before our biggest snowstorm of the decade.

Posted by Robert Ruane on 2013-12-26 19:39:01

Journalism at it's best. How genius to say so much using so few words - Art in paragraphs x

Posted by ps4k on 2013-11-02 15:12:06

I don't know if you're joking, or if it's you who's made the mistake. I am thinking you mean Darryl Hall and John Oates.Is it me?

Posted by Le Cochon Bleu on 2013-10-13 23:42:52

I'm no Madonna fan though I acknowledge there are a few Madonna classics that ought easily to feature high in the best 100 tracks of the 80s. While she does sing exceptionally well during "Open Your Heart" and the verse of the vocal line is really well written, the whole thing is far from a classic. I say awful, but that's my opinion, I know.

Indeed, it's not even really serious. It's half a reasonable boogie for those that like this kind of throwaway disco pop thing the 80s knew so well. But it's also a caricature, a pastiche, where the 80s flashy, clean sexy 'white disco' scene for more well off persons is taken to its ultimate limit more or less (conveniently just as disco house with soul is taking off). This track, the production, the arrangement, the verse / chorus form has no soul whatsoever, despite that Madonna starts off singing so attractively. By the end, she has given up, however, as the tacky nature of the song becomes clear.

It's unfortunate, not only that you chose this song of Madonna to be so high up, when there are some real classics. But also that, somehow, this chart has the tacky "Open Your Heart" with its scammily seductive first half way ahead of absolute 80s classic benchmarks such as "Rhythm Nation", "What Have You Done For Me Lately", "Let's Dance", "Atlantic City", "Hazy Shade of Winter" and "I Feel for You". (And a few above "Sign 'O The Times" and "Born in the USA"). Many of those I've mentioned perhaps ought to be top 20 or much closer to there. But the main affront is to be outcharted by the tackiest of Madonna's tracks from the part caricatured, intentionally tacky album, the one that left her real dancefloor knowhow of yesteryear behind. That video has made more bucks for that track than any radio play!

I don't know what's going on in the Sonic Youth track, either. Is there really anything in there?

These aside, there are some unexpected great classics such as the Cybotron record which you ought to be thanked for including and bringing to peoples' attentions. Wow. Banarama's monumental "Cruel Summer" is in there. Slant has independence and vision. It was a great happening. Still is when you play it. :)

(Thanks!)

Posted by Le Cochon Bleu on 2013-10-13 23:08:42

Later ABC also, the white soul / R&B band who shook off New Romanticism and embraced the house sound of Chicago and other places. Making some lovely British dance soul records.

Posted by Le Cochon Bleu on 2013-10-13 22:27:08

Really, Britain dominated the lists on both sides of the Atlantic. Come on the 80s is the most glorious decade of American music, Michael, Madonna, Whitney, Prince. The world may never see again such superstars.

This is list of 80's best singles seen from America, and it looks a bit strange. Too much Madonna, too much Janet Jackson. Only one british song on the top 10 list? Very strange!

I am not british, but I remebered very well how they dominated the lists on both sides of the Atlantic in the 80s. A top 100 list without Tears for Fears is very strange. Also no Pet Shop Boys? The album 'Actually' alone had four number 1 world hits. And that was AFTER 'West end Girls'.

Guess a top 100 list would look different from Europe or Australia.

Posted by Anonymous on 2012-10-05 06:18:52

Funny how this is the article that's received the most amount of commenting I've ever seen on Slant. And that's a good thing, I've often wondered why more people don't comment? The writing here is great, but not above debate.

Okay, I'm neither white nor a northeastern or midwestern person. I agree this list is very similar to the dance list, with the exception of, say Echo and the Bunnymen, The Smiths - you know, non-dancey stuff unless "How Soon is Now" is your idea of a jam. And I have been to certain clubs where it is, God help me.

I wish female artitsts were even more represented than they were, which is why I brought up the Go-Gos, and I concur with all the Pretenders mentions - to the nth degree. Seriously, forgetting Chrissie is like forgetting your own birthday. Blondie got about as many mentions as they deserved, and I'm a superfan. But their best work was in the late 70s, IMO.

However, the inclusion of songs such as Shannon's "Let the Music Play" are deserved - I had forgotten what a massive rush that was blaring out of high school hallways and fairgrounds back in the day.

One good thing to come of this article, which made the last work week bearable, was remebering how much I liked that Nu Shooz album (Poolside) back in the day. And I went down the rabbit hole and found their new stuff, very orchestral, very Pink Martini, which makes sense, as they're both from the same neck of the woods. Love Valerie Days' voice. So I have something new to listen to. Thanks.

Posted by tangodiva on 2012-08-27 06:09:50

I expected someone to complain. I used to feel the same amount of awkwardness everytime David Ehrenstein whored himself out in the blogs and... he still does that, all the time. So: when in Rome, follow the Parisians.

I agree on "9 to 5" being good but... it didn't make my list. :P

Posted by Anonymous on 2012-08-26 16:45:38

Perhaps I have a lot less love for the 80s than the average bear. By and large it reeks of Stuff White People Like, so for the most part I can at least applaud the diversity on the list, though I wonder how "Fast Car" ranks as low as 99 and "Sexual Healing" is nowhere to be found. I also don't really know why there's this list and a dance list. Is there really that much difference? Looking over the two lists, I think not.

Of course, when I say "White People," I mean "upper-middle class northeasterners and midwesterners," because that's the only real way to acknowledge the lack of country music on this (or, to be fair, most of Slant's) list. "9 to 5"? "Always on My Mind"? "She's No Lady" or "If I Had a Boat"? It's a gaping error, but I guess I shouldn't be surprised at this point.

I didn't expect the actual best song of the 80s, the theme to Greatest American Hero, to get mentioned. Ahh, the 80s, a time when TV theme songs meant something...

And finally, No-Personality, after you've written 4,000 words on an article, the majority of which are about your list and not the one presented, can we get back to actually talking about Slant's list? You've posted a link to your list, I think that will suffice for the future. Simmer down.

(Also, Holland Oates. One guy. His first name is Holland, his last name is Oates.)

Posted by Anonymous on 2012-08-26 14:17:45

Iron Maiden and 80's Metallica definitely have some great stuff and Def Leppard are... ehhhh, alright. But, except for "Dr. Feelgood," I can't stand Motley Crue. Not saying they're bad, just can't stand them. However, I will say Bon Jovi are bad. I'm not the slightest bit surprised they didn't make the list. Overall, 80's metal was incredibly cheesy. The metal signified by the likes of Poison, Winger, Twisted Sister, Whitesnake, etc. Were Crue and Leppard really that far removed? I don't think so. This is one area where I think I can safely say several 90's groups really improved upon the 80's; what the 80's did with hard-rock (Nirvana, Smashing Pumpkins, Stone Temple Pilots, Alice in Chains, Radiohead, Pearl Jam, Soundgarden, Silverchair, Marilyn Manson).

I just started getting into Lene Lovich 'bout a month ago. She has no hope of ending up on most Top 100 lists but I'm now insane for "It's You, Only You (Mein Schmerz)." "Wonderland"'s not too shabby either. "Bird Song" though was released in the fall of '79, so it doesn't count. I definitely considered "New Toy" for my list as well as all but 1 of your One Hit Wonder list.

"Big Electric Cat" is fantastic!! But, I checked up and it wasn't released as a single. Same with "Barbarella," although again it's excellent and perhaps should have been (good call). "All That I Wanted" certainly was released as a single. And it's okay (wouldn't make my list). Total Coelo... let's just say the top-rated comment on the YouTube clip I'm listening to referenced Jem and the Holograms' Misfits and, it's a fitting comparison. Really silly.

Posted by Anonymous on 2012-08-26 11:47:13

I find it intriguing how you leave out bands such as Motley Crue, Bon Jovi, Def Leppard, Metallica, Iron Maiden, etc etc. I think it's obvious this is a POP singles list primarily, its nice to see The Pixies and Sonic Youth, but there is just so many singles that are better or just as good as the big hits...

Posted by lyrafowlpotter on 2012-08-26 10:24:46

Overall a pretty goos list, as these things go. But I was a bit puzzled that it included nothing by these artists, whom I consider essential to ant overview of 80s music: Thomas Dolby, Human League, Thompson

Twins, Billy Idol, Joan Jett, Flock of Seagulls, XTC, Police, GoGos, Paul Young, Roxy Music, Pretenders, and a few more. And there are too many songs that I've never heard of (I worked in a record store and as a club DJ in the 80s).

And some of the greatest songs of the decade were one-hit wonders: Relax, Safety Dance, Mickey, Da Da Da, It Ain't What You Do, It's The Way That You Do It, I Want Candy, Maniac, Turning Japanese, 867-5309, 99 Luftballoons, Video Killed the Radio Star, and the many I'm inevitably forgetting.

Some tracks that were not hits but would go in my personal top 10 of 80s tracks--seek them out if you haven't heard them:

-Kate Bush, "The Dreaming"

-Adrian Belew, "Big Electric Cat"

-Peter Gabriel, "I Have the Touch"

-The Bongos, "Barbarella"

-Belfegore, "All That I Wanted"

-Lene Lovich, "Bird Song" and "New Toy"

-Total Coelho, "I Eat Cannibal"

Posted by Anonymous on 2012-08-25 12:01:30

What JRHG1 said. Basically, it's a little like what went down with the Sight & Sound "If I Had a" business. The voting sometimes is about making sure equally deserving choices get attention when they're often ignored. Because, really, in a way- the difference between any two numbers on a Best 100 or so list is very small. Hence, why each selection is good enough to make the list in the first place.

Kov - One of the uploaders explained (at the start of the year when I went searching) that Prince himself viciously guards against his music showing up on YouTube. At that time, I managed to snag a good link for "Scandalous" and now that's gone too; the only copies left now are all purposefully distorted to the point where you can't possibly enjoy it. It sounds like it's coming from a boombox 2 rooms away and wrapped in a towel. Thankfully, there's always Daily Motion and, if I'm not mistaken, Totally Fuzzy (dot net).

Snarpo - Yeah, I could not in good conscience ignore the glory of Hall & Oates. What The Pretenders will no doubt be to my 101-200 when I get around to making that, H&O were to the top 100. Only Madonna scored more. I'm guessing some people find them cheesy but when I was starting to shave off songs I felt were inferior to some of Slant's pics ("Invisible Touch," "Somebody's Watching Me," "Weird Science," "Der Kommissar," "Hold Me Now"), I decided to test the bands with the cheesier reputations, listening to the songs very carefully, and Hall & Oates especially really do hold up very well. All 4 of the songs I chose still blow me away ("Private Eyes," "Out of Touch," "Say It Isn't So," and "I Can't Go for That (No Can Do)").

JRHG1 also has the right idea that this list intended to spend about half its' slots hightlighting material that didn't make the (what- Casey Kasem) Top 40 type countdown lists back then.

I have a love-hate-huh relationship with The Go-Go's (since Tangodiva brought them up). I forgot (another one) "Vacation" for my Most Hated Songs of the Early 80's list. But, yeah, I can't believe that song ever became a hit. I think it's legitimately terrible. Meanwhile, of the only 4 Go-Go's songs I know (this is where the "huh" comes in), "Head Over Heels" (their least overplayed?) is my favorite. And was *this* close to making my top 100 list. I also have retained my fondness for "Our Lips Are Sealed" which I think is also excellent. Can't same the same for "We Got the Beat."

A Flock of Seagulls? I like "I Ran (So Far Away)" and especially "Wishing (If I Had a Photograph of You)" a lot. But, now Snarpo nailed it = 100 songs is all we've got.

By the by, my revised list is now up on Mubi.com. Just search the People section under the Find Friends heading for Sheldon No.

Posted by Anonymous on 2012-08-25 09:30:03

kov- "Like a Virgin" has received much notice on best/most-important lists, so I had no problem with its omission on this list. More love for the under-appreciated (compared to the usual suspects) on lists. :)

Posted by JRHG1 on 2012-08-25 07:33:29

Nothing by A Flock of Seagulls(who were always better than Duran Duran)? Shameful! Some of the most irresistibly pleasurable music you will ever listen to.

Posted by Anonymous on 2012-08-24 18:47:37

Wow, personality points out some painful misses, at least for me. Pet Shop Boys? Hall and Oates? TEARS FOR FEARS?

Criminal.

But there's only 100 songs, and so much 80's win.

Posted by Anonymous on 2012-08-24 16:54:17

I love Blue Monday but I wish, for once, critics would put True Faith in their top 10 of the Eighties lists.

Posted by Anonymous on 2012-08-24 14:20:11

I considered 5 Def Leppard songs for my list. None made it ("Animal" came the closest). "Bette Davis Eyes" was also in one of playlists I checked out... And, though I gave it careful consideration, I've never liked that song. The Pretenders are amazing. "Don't Get Me Wrong," "Middle of the Road," and "Back on the Chain Gang" would all definitely be in the 101-200 range. Possibly "Message of Love" as well. "Crash" is... okay. More worthy than "Express Yourself" and "Cars"? I certainly don't think so. I like "Buffalo Stance," quite a bit, but it didn't make my list either. "Keep On Movin'" is prime 140-160 material.

Posted by Anonymous on 2012-08-24 14:05:09

"Crash", The Primitives

"Keep on Movin", Soul II Soul

"Back on the Chain Gang", The Pretenders (really, nothing from The Pretenders?!)

"Bette Davis Eyes", Kim Carnes

"Buffalo Stance", Neneh Cherry

"Photograph", Def Leppard

...are just a few of the records off the top of my head more worthy than the dated, reductive "Express Yourself" and the Kraftwerk-lite "Cars". And "La Isla Bonita" is the True Blue single that has aged the best, featuring one of most genuinely soulful vocals.

Posted by Harriet Craig on 2012-08-24 10:20:58

Can somebody explain why are there random videos next to prince's songs(at least on my pc)? Is it possible that there isn't a single hq video on youtube?

Posted by Anonymous on 2012-08-24 09:16:01

JRHG1 - Yes on "Oh Father." The other I incorrectly labeled a ballad ("La Isla Bonita").

kov9593 - I was born in the 80's and I'm not sure I remember a thing. Actually- my knowledge of the 80's is culled through a combination of: Time Life's Sounds of the 80's, Vh1's I Love the 80's, Weird Al Yankovic, a truckload of horror films, the same Ghostbusters nostalgia everyone has who was born between the late 70's to mid (or late) 80's (which, for example, was the gateway drug for me and I think a lot of people into The Never-Ending Story, Labyrinth, and The Goonies - and those I know for a fact all spawned actual singles, though only one I believe was a hit guaranteeing Limahl teen-bedroom wallspace in Nightmare on Elm Street 2: Freddy's Revenge), Atari, YouTube, ThatGuywiththeGlasses (without them, truth: I never would have known Oingo Boingo had singles before Dead Man's Party), Sirius XM Radio's 80's station, and my mother's CD collection (which I Mp3/WMA'ized back in 2000-2001). Though, again, Slant's list is humbling. At least 20% of the stuff here I didn't know about and all of their selections were wisely chosen and well-supported.

What didn't make my *Original* list? "...Right (to Party)," I've always thought this one was just silly. Don't know if that's supposed to be the point or not (those nerds in the video are...kinda hot). "Take On Me." It's definitely not because I thought it was too cheesy or that it was overplayed. I seriously considered it. And it is an incredible song, no argument there. But I think it was just too similar to a lot of other songs that I thought were slightly superior. There's a chance I might change my mind. Already mentioned Public Enemy and this one's going on my list. "I Would Die 4 You." One of my least favorite Prince singles. "The Killing Moon." I struggled with this one a lot. It was definitely one of the 10 or so songs I spent the most time debating. And I'm still on the fence.

"Running Up That Hill." Got to admit, in my personal Kate ranking- this comes in at #4, behind "Sat on Your Lap." When I re-do my list, I expect only the top 2 will make it. "Let the Music Play." Was definitely in the 101-110 range, just fell a little short. I'll say this though: the shorter it is, the better (the version I've owned for years is the 6-minute one and that might have influenced my decision). "Beat It," "The Message," "Love Will Tear Us Apart," and "Billie Jean." No comment. "Blue Monday." I definitely considered it. I'll have another listen (to the high-quality, 7-minute version). "Like a Prayer." No comment, other than: it's great. "Once in a Lifetime." That was a mistake. Will be corrected. "When Doves Cry." Never cared for it.

Slant's choices I most agree with (not on my list): "Scary Monsters (and Super Creeps)," "I Will Dare," "E.T. Boogie," "Smooth Criminal," "The Big Sky," "Hazy Shade of Winter," "Outside the Trains Don't Run on Time," "Here Comes the Rain Again," "Just Like Heaven," "Sharevari," "Walk This Way" (I was too hasty before), "Looking for the Perfect Beat," "1999" (I was REALLY too hasty before), "Where the Streets Have No Name," "I Wanna Dance with Somebody (Who Loves Me)," "Ceremony," "Atomic," "Can You Feel It?," "Let's Dance," "Open Your Heart," "With or Without You," "Wanna Be Startin' Somethin'," "Cruel Summer," "Slave to the Rhythm," "Need You Tonight," "Ashes to Ashes," "...End of the World As We Know It...," "Take On Me," "Fight the Power," "The Killing Moon," "Let the Music Play," "Blue Monday," and "Once in a Lifetime."

Posted by Anonymous on 2012-08-24 08:20:43

Everybody\'s got himself a favourite madonna decade. I personaly prefer her more introspective 90s music, and as far as 2000s go, i strangely find \'american life\' as her most ambitious and accomplished album of the decade. But the fact is that the universal pop appeal she had in the 80s was something even she couldn\'t surpass.

Posted by Anonymous on 2012-08-24 07:45:16

I miss seeing "Cherish" on the list, but there is such a plethora of Madonna to choose from, so I understand. The Madonna on this list is the Madonna I loved, emulated and listen (ed) to, and I miss her.

All the Kate Bush has me pulling out my Hounds of Love LP. Thanks.

No Go-Gos? I have to say I think they rated a spot or two.

Posted by tangodiva on 2012-08-24 07:25:43

But...no 'Like A Virgin'?

If that song isn't quintessential 80s, then what is? Bananarama?:)

Posted by Anonymous on 2012-08-24 05:51:33

Great to see "Express Yourself" make the cut. I actually most like the 7-inch mix best; it adds more sounds to the verses (this version, I believe, is heard in the shorter-version video). Though, of course, it's a great tune in any Madonna incarnation.

I expected "Time After Time" to place nicely- it deserves it.

Posted by JRHG1 on 2012-08-24 05:25:43

On tmblr you can create your own blogs! For free!

Posted by bandwagon on 2012-08-23 20:55:28

You really get into this, don\'t ya, No-Personality? That\'s great. :) By the way, which two Madonna ballads did you choose over \"Live to Tell\"? I\'d guess \"Crazy For You\" (which is almost as great as \"Live...\" but for different reasons) and \"Oh Father\"? Almost as majestic as \"Live...,\" but gets lost in these lists as a fourth single.

I like Slant\'s lists- not just because of the Madonna appreciation, but because it mixes familiar, big-hit tunes with some that weren\'t necessarily big chart hits.

Posted by JRHG1 on 2012-08-23 12:39:27

Is that an extended cut of "Slave to the Rhythm?" Seems to be. I thought for sure you'd show the actual video, you know, the one where a huge Grace's head comes out of the sand, and a car comes out of her mouth? Unreal.

Posted by Anonymous on 2012-08-23 10:52:10

What here made my list and where did it place? "Burning Down the House" (#61). "The One I Love" (#93). "Push It" (#49). "All Through the Night" (#72). "How Soon is Now?" (#27). "Rock the Casbah" (#1). "Girls," still #96. Soon to be bumped. :(

What didn't I know about? Indeep. Going to take some time for this to grow on me.

Who did I forget to consider? Grace Jones, anything by. "Slave" is incredible. I think it'll be on my new list. "Radio Free Europe." It's alright. "Ashes to Ashes." I'm going to find a higher quality copy of this single and see what happens (I'm loving what I'm hearing so far).

What plain old didn't make it? "With or Without You." Classic, no argument here. I just found 100 songs I thought were better. Now, with the requisite bumps, at least 110, so... "Wanna Be Startin' Somethin'." See WoWoY. "Cruel Summer." Somehow, I found it didn't replay as insanely as "I Heard a Rumor," so that's what I chose. However, I might change my mind since Kylie's "I Should Be So Lucky" fills the exact same niche as "Rumor" and that made my list as well. "Need You Tonight." I chose 2 other INXS's and I'm pretty happy with the choices. Not much chance of a change. "Live to Tell." I chose at least 2 Madonna ballads I think are superior and I'm not changing but of course, this is a spine-tingler.

"Into the Groove" - it was a mistake (it's looking like with the other mistakes I've made that I skipped over a playlist and this and "Let's Dance" were on the same one), will be corrected. "Little Red Corvette." Somehow, I knew it would make Slant's list. No chance of making my list, I have to be the cheesehead and stick with the Batman song. "End of the World..." Amazing song, might still make my list, but I think I was thinking at the time that the overplay was a little braincancerish (or 'cancelish). "Under Pressure." I have problems. I won't deny it. I didn't forget it, it's beautiful. But I only love parts of it. No chance of making my list.

Posted by Anonymous on 2012-08-23 06:04:24

Another YAY for "Live to Tell." "Into the Groove" was expected. So that makes three thus for for both Prince and Madonna. Will they have one more? Two more? Three more? "Like a Prayer" is a definite, so that will be four. Slant mentioned "Holiday" and "Express Yourself" in the intro, but they may not have made the cut. If she and Prince each had six, that would mean 14 non-Prince/-Madonna songs in the top 20. Possible?

Figure Michael Jackson will have a couple of more ("Billie Jean" and "Beat It").

I also expect "Time After Time" by Cyndi Lauper.

Posted by JRHG1 on 2012-08-23 05:14:05

Speaking of sticking in your mind, I can hear that "E.T. Boogie" right now. Never heard it before Monday, now it's in my head.

Posted by Anonymous on 2012-08-22 19:03:55

Hah, wow. Funny how some things stick in your mind. There's a super high-pitched keyboard riff in "Heartbeat" that I couldn't figure out where I'd heard it, something so familiar. After a few seconds of replaying in my brain, it came... Teena Marie's "Lyrics 2 the Rhythm" from New Jack City samples it.

What here made my list and where did it place? "Straight Up" (#67). "Don't You (Forget About Me" (#22). "Father Figure" (#16).

What didn't I know about? Laurie Anderson. No opinion. Maybe there never will be. Kid Creole & the Coconuts. Like with Laurie, I think I'm too shocked to think. Best it stays that way. Mr. Fingers. Now, I have an opinion: this is going on my list. Guaranteed. (Poor #99... and 98, 97, 96 - that's you, Cyndi - etc.) Taana Gardner. Yeah, the acceleration thing is understandable. Vocally, I definitely prefer Taana over Mr. "Hotstepper" but, Kamoze's acceleration makes me prefer their musical arrangement over "Heartbeat."

Who did I forget to consider? Nu Shooz. Oh, and I also forgot that guy who did that song from Short Circuit...(hopefully clever *sarcasm*) The Stone Roses. Here these guys come up again. There are a few bands I regretfully only checked out because of the odd, random allure of an album cover, song name, or band name. As for The Stone Roses, their name couldn't be more appropriate. Methinks their "Made of Stone" needs to meet The Indians' "Bed of Roses." Then they'll perk up. "Should I Stay or Should I Go?" Excellent pick. I probably thought it was a 70's single. I'll reconsider. Sonic Youth. I'm so glad this band was apparently so popular in the 80's. At least 4, maybe more, of their songs from the 90's are etched into my brain for defining how it felt to live in that decade. As for the 80's, their music all blurs together for me.

What plain old didn't make it? "Atomic." I absolutely love it. But I think I'm sticking with my decision. "Let's Dance." I have no idea what happened here (goodbye, #95). "Born in the U.S.A." Big shocker. "Bust a Move." Between Uncle Buck and Scrubs unintentionally (well, maybe not in Buck's case) mocking the hell out of this, merely by assocation, I can never view this single the same way again. [Insert white-people joke here. Or, think of it like I do, you know how a song just changes when people you would never want to be trapped in an elevator with "dance" to this at weddings? That's the one thing the makers of Daria forgot when they did their wedding episode.] "Sign O the Times." Beautiful but a little sparse. Not sure how this makes anyone feel good, though (pesky foreword).

"Goody Two Shoes." Not unlistenable as was my little Worst-of-the-Early-80's list (forgot "Down Under") from 2 days ago (and even then, yes, I know "Battlefield" isn't bad) but... is it really *that* good? For example, I used to hate Madness but I've realized I was much too hard on "Our House." I don't see the same change of heart happening with "Goody." Oh yeah... I can't believe I forgot "Tainted Love"; that is certainly on my Worst list. Truly awful song, yet I don't object to it being included on Slant's list. In many ways, awful and great blended together in the 80's like no other decade before or after. No accounting for taste necessary. "Open Your Heart." It was a mistake. Will be corrected. "This Charming Man." Speaking of "complexity," I'm going to need to give this band some real time to look their music over.

Posted by Anonymous on 2012-08-22 07:53:55

It seems so odd to have Nu Shooz and Stone Roses next to each other on the list, and yet, there it is. I cannot tell I lie. I had both albums, and thus, both singles. Though I would have gone with perhaps the more obvious "I Wanna Be Adored," just for it's pure, unadulterated contempt. King Monkey could do that well. The list keeps giving!

Yay- a Madonna classic that often doesn't get the attention it deserves makes the cut (being a fourth single and all; Robert Christgau named it one of the top 10 tracks when reviewing the 80s, though, which was notable).

Thus, Prince has had two of his entries pop up, and Madonna has had one. I'm guessing "Like a Prayer" will appear in the top 10, at the least.

Good to see Janet Jackson score a few entries.

Posted by JRHG1 on 2012-08-22 05:13:45

baboon 2525:

I was referring to what's played on the radio. What's played on the radio is, in my opinion, much worse than what was played 20 years ago(with a few exceptions).

Posted by Anonymous on 2012-08-21 17:00:49

Stuff like the Sharevari track are why I like this list. I'm an 80's kid, but was always an AM radio type in that everything I listened to was pretty mainstream. I'm a big electronica fan so hearing old, more "underground"-y tracks is awesome.

Posted by Anonymous on 2012-08-21 13:35:54

I guessed it completely wrong for ''Rhythm Nation''...:)

And this starts to look a bit like ''Slant's Greatest Dance Songs'' pt.2

That ''Sharevari'' bassline is really weird...and 30 years later, we have both LMFAO and Rihanna playing with 303s as well, making...magic

Posted by Anonymous on 2012-08-21 11:45:55

My Janet pick did rank (higher than "Pleasure Principle") after all; I sure know how to call 'em (*sarcasm*). (By the way, I fully admit the exercise of discussing this whole thing like putting bets on the players in some kind of poker game or horse race is taking on the slight air of a sporting event. Or, a loser on award night waiting for the next Oscar to be called. People... do that sort of thing, don't they?) Anyway, time to get organized.

What here made my list and where did it place? "Cars" is not on my list due to some freak mistake. It was the first song on the very first playlist I scoured and it's one of my favorite songs of the decade. It will certainly be there when I re-do it to fix the Public Enemy error. And Janet's still #92. Shockingly... that's all in this 20.

What didn't I know about? Cybertron. Unfortunately, Missy's "Lose Control" has already won my heart over, so I'll leave this to the robots. "Hounds of Love." The drums don't impress me as much as the strings. I understand why it was chosen but I can't say I care for it. As much as "The Big Sky" or "Sat in Your Lap." Bruce. I only thought to put one song of his on my list and I intentionally chose his most... let's say, Robert Palmer-ish song. Don't know if it'll make Slant's list but it might be my favorite song of the decade (though I ranked it #8). "Atlantic City"? I guess I have to chock that up to my snobbery against anything that reminds me of Bob Dylan. I can't play songs like this. I feel guilty even playing Paul Simon but I love "Obvious Child," I really do. A Number of Names. I don't love the vocals but, wow. Good pick. Kraftwerk. I don't think much of it but, like "Hounds," I can see why it was chosen. It's very tasteful. Afrika Bambaataa. I definitely like it better than Moby's "Bodyrock" (that's where I recognize one of these lyrics).

Who did I forget to consider? The Pixies. I'm definitely going to have to check them out in the future. "Forget Me Nots." Ha. It's definitely less cheesy than anything by The Pointer Sisters, and I don't mean to suggest FMN is cheesy. Exactly. But that's pretty much why I think I could forget it.

What plain old didn't make it? "Here Comes the Rain Again." I feel I chose a lot of songs that had a cold, icy feel to them and when considering HCtRA, I just decided I'd already picked enough better ones. I still adore this song though. "Just Like Heaven." I actually downloaded this song by mistake back in... what; 2005, when I was searching for the Donnie Darko soundtrack, this somehow was mislabeled. I'd actually been searching for this song for years after hearing it on the first season of Mtv's The Real World (they didn't play any of the lyric sections, so I was completely out of luck). I also love it and it certainly would have made it somewhere between 101-110 were I to make a longer one. "Walk This Way." Run DMC aren't on my original list but I decided months ago that was going to change. Not for this single, though (had to bring this up in case it does make the list). Love the beat but I'll take Aerosmith's original any day.

Anything from Rhythm Nation, but I've said enough about that. "Where the Streets Have No Name." No comment. "I Wanna Dance" (...) She made my list once but I chose a different dance track. Not much of a mystery which that was. But, listening to this song (for the 80th time, at least), again I have to seriously kudos Slant for sticking their needle directly into the vein of the decade. Anything by New Order. If they had though, this probably would have been the song I chose. "1999." 2 Prince songs made my list, one of them was "Scandalous" (#87). Everyone might expect me to be ashamed but... in a list of 500, "1999" would likely still rank lower than... several of his singles. Damn my damn jinx policy. Okay, I'll jinx just one: "U Got the Look."

Posted by Anonymous on 2012-08-21 08:47:45

"Forget Me Nots" IS my jam. That song is EPIC. Bass for days.

Posted by tangodiva on 2012-08-21 04:55:55

Connie Case - excellent inclusion. This bodes well.

@mindfulness - while I agree that the early 90s were excellent, though mostly for different artists (Wu Tang and Nirvana aside), \"I think the late nineties up until our current time period is considered the worst time period for music\" is what people say when they get old and stop listening to new music.

Posted by Anonymous on 2012-08-21 01:28:39

Yay- I've been waiting for this list. :)

Slant, teasing us by not divulging how many entries Madonna and Prince have. hehe

Perhaps five a piece? Probably no less than four. For Madonna, I'd think "Like a Prayer" and "Into the Groove" are cinches. "Like a Virgin" has racked up a lot of acclaim for its importance and being a great pop tune, but did it make this list? Would love to see "Express Yourself" make the cut. As a second single, it usually is overshadowed by "Prayer" on best-of lists ("Ray of Light" is one of those rare instances among acclaimed acts where a second single garners more acclaim than the first single).

Posted by JRHG1 on 2012-08-20 18:28:13

No-Personality:

I think the late nineties up until our current time period is considered the worst time period for music. The Early 90's, thanks to artists like Wu-Tang Clan, Nirvana, Liz Phair, PJ Harvey, the Smashing Pumpkins, etc., is considered to be a watermark in terms of good music. However, it is slightly overrated--according to Robert Christgau, some critics thought Nirvana brought "Beatlemania-like" expectations to early 90's music which is completely ridiculous, looking back on it

Posted by Anonymous on 2012-08-20 17:37:43

No-Personality, you certainly know your way around 1980s.

:)

I feel rather ignorant:)

Posted by Anonymous on 2012-08-20 13:53:06

This list has sure been a long-time coming. So long, in fact, that I actually made my own maybe a month after Slant released their Albums list. I did not know of Gang of Fours, Connie Chase, Leonard Cohen, or Extra T's at the time, and... I just didn't think of The Replacements (even though I did know that Paul Westerberg was the "inspiration" for Westerberg High in Heathers). But, looking over my list again (which I'm actually pretty damn proud of- even though right now it's completely lacking Public Enemy which needs to be fixed), and checking out the songs from these artists... well, honestly? I think "Get Down" and "Everybody Knows" are awful. "Outside the Trains Don't Run on Time" is decent. "E.T. Boogie" is very good (I've replayed it 3 times so far and it's growing on me QUICK). But "I Will Dare" is excellent and... might eventually replace my original #99.

Since I saw someone mention Hazmat suits, I'm forced to namedrop an I-hope-everyone-here-saw 80's classic: Class of Nuke 'Em High. Why? The imagery and the dark funk of "E.T. Boogie." Speaking of punk-horror and now that everyone else is already chiming in with hopes for the list, I'll add my 2cents- I wonder if any of the soundtrack contributions from Return of the Living Dead were legitimate singles. Or, getting away from it entirely, the title track from Hairspray or anything from Earth Girls Are Easy.

Since Kov's already mentioned it (a jinx, you know; not that I'm saying this means it won't make the list), I begrudgingly stuck "Girls" at #96 on my original list. I'm getting tired of it. Same with "Like a Virgin" (Madonna made my first list 5 times and I only expect two of the songs I chose to make it onto this list). (I can see now that she should have made it about 10 times.) Hmmm... just noticed the video version of "Pleasure Principle" above is not exactly the same as the album version. The Bangles didn't make my list at all but I've always loved "Hazy Shade of Winter" and it's definitely my favorite of their singles. Janet made my list once and I'm a little ashamed to admit what song I chose (especially if it doesn't rank higher than "Principle" on this list). At #92, no less. But I chose it because I thought it was the best of her ultra-clunky singles (that's right-I'm not the biggest Janet fan). Michael made my list twice and now I'm positive neither of my choices will make this list. Kate made my list once and not with "The Big Sky." (Now that I've heard it, though I still think my choice was good, I see my error.)

I can't stand "Battlefield" anymore. Oddly enough, when I think about 80's songs I've grown to intensely dislike, most of them are from the early 80's (the aforementioned, "Come On Eileen," "Jessie's Girl," "Always Something There to Remind Me") (and, no, I don't mind jinxing those). But Pat made my list. I actually had to check just now, but "Fast Car" made my list (#35). "Love Shack" made it (#20- I think it's a wee bit underrated). Peter's on my list once but not for "Sledgehammer." Though I admit it's probably his most quintessentially 80's song (though I think there might be hope the one I chose makes in onto this list). Devo didn't make my list but, if they had, it would've been with "Girl U Want." I doubt it'll make Slant's list, so- jinx ahoy.

Unlike Eric's foreword for the 90's singles, I quite like this one. He... might not be aware that a shitload of people (not just your parents) consider the 90's to be one of the worst decades for music and meanwhile, can they say they even paid attention to it? Only the people who grew up with it would see something like how diverse it was. And, yes it was more diverse than the 80's. But I haven't come across anyone (other than my '52-born father, who also has very little good to say about the 70's) who really thinks the 80's was a musically weak decade.

Final word today: good luck getting YouTube links on Prince tracks. I haven't tried in over a year myself but last I checked, every single video labeled "When Doves Cry" had the audio replaced, ala- Rickroll, with something entirely different. Same basic difficulty on "Raspberry Beret."

Posted by Anonymous on 2012-08-20 13:01:49

Hmm. See a lot of my favourite songs here already. Not sure if this is a good thing, or a bad thing.

Posted by Anonymous on 2012-08-20 11:13:07

It would be nice to see something, anything from Lexicon of Love on the list. Hell, anything from ABC. So underated, so quintessentially '80s.

Posted by tangodiva on 2012-08-20 10:02:48

I hope the early 80s music will be in majority, since most late 80s song are much more self-indulgent and less genre-defining. I think that by that time, most of the post-punk and post-disco that kick-started the decade fizzled out.

Posted by Anonymous on 2012-08-20 06:23:12

From my fairly limited knowledge of the decade, I expect 'Girls Just Want to Have Fun', 'Rhythm Nation', 'Beat It', 'When Doves Cry', 'Purple Rain', and of course 'Like A Virgin' and 'Like A Prayer' in the top 30.

Since most of the song from your 'Greatest Dance Songs List' are from the 80s, can we expect some of them to appear on this list too?